You’ve heard it before, but we’ll repeat it: some things are better together. And guess what? Working out is one of them. Solo workouts have their perks, but teaming up with your significant other can take fitness to a whole new level.
According to WebMD, having a gym buddy can help you work harder as well as longer than you would if you were alone since they are there to motivate you.
Whether you’re trying to get back in shape for your upcoming nuptials or simply spend quality time, there are plenty of fun workouts you can do with your partner. Here are a few of them you can try:
#1 Partner Yoga
Think yoga is a solitary exercise? We bet you haven’t seen couples doing yoga together on Instagram.Partner yoga isn’t just about twisting into fancy shapes. It rather offers a chance to strengthen bonds, connect, and support one another.
In 2022, a study was conducted on 28 heterosexual married or cohabiting Australian adults who practice yoga. It found that the time they spent practicing yoga improved relationship satisfaction through mindfulness as well as emotional intelligence.
You don’t have to do complicated yoga acrobatics to practice partner yoga. Simple poses like seated back-to-back breathing or helping each other into gentle stretches can be great for tuning in with one another and releasing emotions on a deeper level.
A heads up: things won’t be smooth in the beginning, at least. There will be some wobbles, topples, and giggles along the way. That is part of the charm. Partner yoga, after all, is less about getting it right and more about enjoying the experience together.
#2 Swing Dancing
Ready to dance like it’s the 1940s? Swing dancing is a high-energy workout that is as fun as it is challenging.You don’t need to be a pro to get started—just sign up for a beginner class, and you’ll be spinning and twirling in no time. Turlock Journal reports that Greg and Priscilla McCrea met while dancing salsa. Now married, the couple are learning how to swing dance.
The best part? Swing dancing is all about teamwork. You’ll learn how to lead, follow, and move in sync, which can translate into better coordination off the dance floor too.
As dancers have to learn how to spin and turn smoothly, Fred Astaire Dance Studios adds that it strengthens the bond between two dancers through communication and physical contact.
Swing dancing is a workout in disguise. It burns between 300 and 550 calories per hour. That makes it an excellent workout for couples wanting to burn calories.
#3 Tennis
If you’re looking for a fun way to work out with your partner, play tennis. It’s a perfect combination of cardio, coordination, and a little friendly competition.Alex De Minaur and Katie Boulter, Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya, Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac are the three most famous tennis couples.
Tennis works your whole body—legs for those sprints, arms for the swings, and your core for balance. The constant movement across the court boosts your heart rate, improves agility, and enhances hand-eye coordination. Moreover, the thrill of a good rally can make you forget you’re even working out.
Not a pro? No problem. Well+Good says that part of the fun lies in progress. So, focus on having fun rather than perfecting your serve. Over time, you’ll see improvements in your skills and teamwork.
Reward yourselves with a cool-down walk or a celebratory snack after the match is over.
#4 Pilates
Who said you need weights to build a stronger core? Pilates is proof that bodyweight exercises can be just as effective—if not more.This low-impact workout focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance. That makes it perfect for couples who want to tone up and improve posture together.
What’s great about Pilates is that it’s adaptable to all fitness levels. Whether you’re doing mat exercises at home or joining a reformer class, you can modify the movements to suit your needs.
Start with simple moves like planks, leg lifts, or the classic Pilates hundred to engage your core and stabilize your muscles.
As you’re working out with your partner, you can add a fun twist. You can assist each other with stretches or even try partner-based exercises like back-to-back squats or leg presses.
Just this year, in July, Gisele Bundchen was spotted with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente at a Pilates class for a couple’s workout in Miami, Florida.
Working out as a couple isn’t just about physical health—though those are great too. It’s also about building an emotional connection. You’re learning to communicate, encourage each other, and create memories beyond Netflix marathons.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your sneakers, take your partner by the hand, and try one of these workouts.